HAYWARD, Calif.- Multiple costly turnovers and hot shooting by the Pioneers proved to be the difference Saturday night as the Fresno Pacific Sunbirds fell 76-67 to Cal State East Bay. 

In the first half, Fresno Pacific opened with high energy, aiming to establish control in the paint. Harrison Pennisi scored the first basket with a layup, showing the Sunbirds' intent to dominate close to the rim. The Sunbirds maintained a focus on high-percentage shots and fast-break opportunities, with Isaac Peralta pushing the pace and converting layups off turnovers. Despite this offensive approach, Cal State East Bay countered effectively, using a well-spread offense to score both inside and from beyond the arc. 

Throughout the first half, turnovers began to disrupt the Sunbirds' rhythm, with several key possessions ending in lost opportunities. By mid-half, Seth Brown provided a scoring spark by driving aggressively to the basket, and Gabriel Quiette's defensive rebounds helped keep Fresno in contention. However, the Pioneers capitalized on offensive rebounds and transitioned those into crucial second-chance points. As East Bay gained momentum, they built a double-digit lead. The first half concluded with the 'Birds trailing 43-31. 

In the second half, Fresno Pacific returned with a renewed focus, intensifying their defensive pressure in an effort to slow down East Bay's offense. The Sunbirds showed a stronger defensive stance, with Ryan Abbott and Mylo Santos stepping up to apply pressure on East Bay's guards, resulting in several forced turnovers. Fresno Pacfic continued to rely on points in the paint, with Cooper Sheldon and Pennisi scoring crucial baskets early in the half. Their efforts helped chip away at East Bay's lead, narrowing the gap as the 'Birds' bench provided solid contributions to maintain energy and intensity.

However, Cal State East Bay's outside shooting remained a challenge, hitting timely three-pointers, preventing Fresno Pacific from gaining substantial momentum. In response, the Sunbirds attempted to match East Bay's shooting by taking some perimeter shots, but they struggled to convert consistently from beyond the arc. With around five minutes remaining, Peralta and Seth Brown made several key drives, drawing fouls and converting free throws, which brought the Sunbirds within single digits.

In the closing minutes, the Pioneers managed to control the pace by drawing fouls, hitting critical free throws, and continuing to dominate on the boards, denying Fresno Pacific second-chance opportunities. Despite Fresno's valiant effort, Cal State East Bay's balanced scoring and effective free-throw shooting allowed them to maintain a lead, ultimately securing the 76-67 victory. 

Up next, the Sunbirds will head down south for a matchup with the Cal State LA Golden Eagles on Wednesday at 7pm. 

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